How to save your life?

Jesus was willing to sacrifice everything for the sake of the world. He took upon himself the punishment for our sins, so that we might know God personally forever. Through his death and resurrection, he enables us to have an intimate relationship with him.

Jesus opened the way for us to know him, but it's up to us to make the choice whether or not to follow him.

"If anyone wishes to follow me, let him deny himself, take up his cross and follow me. For he who is anxious to save his life will lose it; but he who loses his life for my sake and the gospel's will save it." Mark 8:34-35 S21

What it means to take up one's cross ?

For Jesus, the cross was a real object on which he suffered and gave his life. It was the physical representation of the spiritual burden he bore.

The cross also represents the suffering and sacrifices we choose to endure out of love and obedience to Christ.

The apostles saw suffering as an opportunity to draw closer to Jesus. Conversely, our cultures present suffering as an obstacle to immediate pleasure. Jesus affirmed that giving him our lives was essential, because he is the way to eternal life. However, the world asserts that taking care of oneself is the key to an abundant life.

Taking up your cross means renouncing your desire to lead your life as you see fit. It means letting Jesus dictate the trajectory of your life, and making him your priority.

Paradoxically, refusing to take up your cross and follow Jesus will not prevent you from suffering. Difficulties will always be present. And in the end, you'll give up Jesus' eternal promises for a few fleeting moments of pleasure and comfort.

Carrying your cross is something you do on this side of eternity. But one day, you'll rise and have a new life, without tears, suffering, death or pain. To live eternally in God's presence is the promise Jesus makes to you when he asks you to follow him. It's the life you can aspire to when you give your life to Jesus.

Pastor Clémentine